As we approach warmer climates and we start to plan sunny outdoor trips with our furry family members, it’s a good time to stop and consider one of the most common risks faced by Pets and their Pet parents.

Fleas and ticks dwell where Pets are present and, often, are most comfortable. Dogs who spend time outside, even in your own back yard, are highly susceptible to fleas and, on more wooded properties, ticks as well. Even more susceptible to fleas and ticks are those Pets who join us on hiking and camping trips. For this reason, Hannah Pets receive all preventative medicine, including parasite controls, as part of their exclusive Total Lifetime Care membership.

So, why is it important to regularly administer flea and tick medications?

First, as we all know, flea and tick bites can cause itching, severe discomfort and irritation.

Even more severe is the risk of Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD), which is a severe allergic reaction to flea bites suffered by millions of dogs and cats. Untreated cases of FAD can lead to severe irritation, hotspots, skin abrasions and even bacterial and fungal infections.

Anyone who’s lived with a Pet suffering with fleas has probably suffered right along with them. Fleas can leap unnoticed from your Pets to you and will often lay eggs in furniture and carpets, leading to second and third generations of irritating and dangerous pests.

Fleas can also transmit parasites, such as tapeworms, bacterial diseases and Bartonellosis (cat scratch fever).

Like flea bites, tick bites can be painful and irritating. But the risks that ticks pose to humans and dogs can be even more severe, leading to Lyme disease, babesiosis, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, causing serious illness or even death.

While flea and tick prevention is relatively easy, inexpensive and non-invasive, many Pet parents forget or neglect to have their Pets treated until it’s too late. Hannah can help!

Our Total Lifetime Care program provides not only parasite controls such as flea and tick prevention, but all Pet care, including 100% veterinary care (medications, preventative care, emergencies, surgeries, dental care, etc.), high quality Pet food delivered right to your door, and lifetime behavioral training.

To learn more about Hannah’s Total Lifetime Care, please visit our Placement Centers at Clackamas Town Center and Washington Square Mall.

This week, to celebrate National Puppy Day, we took a moment to honor some of the youngest members of the Hannah family and to learn how to set our Pets on the road to a long, happy, healthy life.

Anyone who has ever raised a puppy knows that the decision to adopt is not one that should be taken lightly. Puppies are cuddly, adorable and fun, and they can add joy and fulfillment to the lives of their families. But they are also a lot of work. And they require a great deal of love, patience, training and supervision.

Here are just a few important things to remember as you raise your new furry family member:

Take your puppy in for a vet visit as soon as possible for vaccinations and a checkup. A sick puppy may not adjust well to her new environment, causing long-term behavioral concerns. With Hannah, all of the Pets we place are pre-examined and are on a strict vaccination schedule. Hannah members can also rest easy, knowing that all veterinary care is provided for a low monthly fee.

Puppies, like babies, require lots of sleep. Create a quiet, safe space for your new pup to be alone and get the rest she needs. This could be a bathroom, laundry room or, preferably, a kennel. This will not only help her to stay rested and healthy, but it also helps to prevent separation anxiety.

Start training early and be consistent! Puppy classes, like those provided to Hannah members, are a great resource for learning to instill great behavioral habits in our Pets. Puppy training can go a long way in breaking or preventing bad habits early, such as marking, inappropriate chewing, or excessive barking.

Socialization is a very important part of raising a puppy. Providing training classes, supervised puppy playtime, afternoons at the dog park, or taking her for a walk down a public street can teach her valuable social skills that will last a lifetime.

Exercise and nutrition are two of the biggest contributors to a long happy life. Your puppy needs to build those muscles! She also needs the mental stimulation she can only get from a long walk or run outdoors. Likewise, proper nutrition is important in providing a long, healthy happy life, free of diabetes, heart disease and other health concerns. Hannah provides a diet that is high in nutrition and will help your puppy grow up strong and healthy.

If you’re thinking about adding a Pet to your family, Hannah can help! Our innovative Pet Matching program uses an interview process to help you find the right Pet for your family. But we don’t stop there! Hannah provides all the care your Pet needs through our Total Lifetime Care program. The TLC is an innovative care program that provides your Pet with complete healthcare (including emergencies, surgeries, vaccinations, preventative and dental care, and medications), food delivered straight to your door and lifetime behavioral training.

To learn more about Hannah’s Pet Matching program, or how you can enroll your Pets into Hannah’s Total Lifetime Care program, please visit our Placement Centers at Clackamas Town Center and Washington Square Mall.

As we reflect on St. Patrick’s day and digest our corned beef, cabbage and Guinness, we at Hannah thought about some of our furry family members who find their origins on the Emerald Isle.

Dogs are amazing creatures and their origins are as diverse as their species, personalities and traits. Many people are aware that the Corgi comes from Wales and the Rottweiler is German. But did you know that the Akita is from Japan, Bassets are French, and Dalmatians come from Croatia?

And here are just a few of the wonderful breeds that come to us from the Emerald Isle:

When we mention Irish dog breeds, possibly the first thing that comes to mind is the Irish Setter. With a lean frame and a beautiful, silky red coat, the Setter may be one of the world’s most identifiable breeds. Originally bred as a hunting dog as early as the 16th century, Setters now enjoy a reputation as a wonderful family companion with a temperament that is well suited to small children and active households.

A less recognizable, but still commonly known breed is the Irish Wolfhound. The tallest of all dog breeds, the Wolfhound was, like the Setter, bred as a hunting companion and there is some evidence of their presence in Ireland thousands of years ago. An easygoing, intelligent breed, they are known to develop a strong bond with their families.

A lesser known breed, at least in the States, is the Glen of Imaal Terrier. Often described as a big dog in a little dog’s body, Glens usually max out at 35lbs and have an appearance similar to other terriers, while being a bit stockier. Like their Terrier cousins, Glens are energetic and feisty, although they are known to be a bit more even tempered and less vocal.

The Kerry Beagle is one of the oldest of the Irish hounds and is believed to be a descendent of the legendary Irish Hounds with a pedigree dating back to the late 1700s. A worker who maintains a strong hunting instinct, the Kerry is also great with kids and other dogs.

While these all make wonderful Pets, they do require a great deal of love and attention and some have known health concerns such as hip dysplasia in the Glen of Imaal Terrier or behavioral problems like “selective hearing” in the Irish Wolfhound. That’s why Hannah is here!

We all want to protect our Pets from dangers outside the house: busy streets; fights with other cats or dogs; the threat of getting lost. But if we’re not careful, there could be just as many dangers inside the house as out.

One such risk to our Pets’ health could be common household items, some of which could prove to be irresistible to some furry family members. Below, we have listed some common household items to help identify those substances which may prove harmful or even deadly if not used and stored properly.

We’ve talked extensively on this blog about common house plants that can cause serious illness to some Pets. While many dogs and cats aren’t drawn to common house plants, some are, so avoid plants and flowers such as rhododendrons, peace lilies, tulips, poinsettias, chrysanthemums, azaleas and many types of ivy. Of course, this is just a small list, so it’s a good practice to check the safety of any plant before bringing it into the home.

There are several household chemicals that are harmful to Pets: cleaning products, lawn and garden chemicals, insect controls, etc. One of the most common items that can cause severe injury or death is anti-freeze, which contains a sweet smell and taste. If consumed, one teaspoon could kill a small cat.

Stringy items, such as rubber bands, yarn or dental floss can be fun for playing or chewing. While not poisonous, if consumed, these items could cause intestinal blockage or even strangulation.

Certain foods can even be poisonous such as raw bread dough, onions, grapes, chocolate, and avocado.

Most of us are aware that poisons meant for rats and rodents can be deadly to dogs and cats. As a result, most of us would never bring these items into the home in the first place. But what about a new home? If you’ve recently moved or are planning to move, ask the most recent tenants if they’ve used these items. Then do a thorough search to be sure all harmful materials are disposed of.

But no matter how many precautions we take, there is always a risk of injury or illness with regard to our Pets. That’s why it’s important to have a plan in place, just in case something goes wrong. Hannah’s Total Lifetime Care Program is just such a plan. With Hannah’s TLC, members enjoy an all-inclusive veterinary care plan (including prevention, vaccinations, parasite controls, dentals, medications, emergencies and surgeries), high-quality Pet food delivered right to your door, and lifetime behavioral training, all for one low monthly fee!

To learn more about how you can enroll your Pets into Hannah’s Total Lifetime Care program, or to meet some of the wonderful Hannah Pets who are looking for loving forever homes, please visit our Placement Centers at Clackamas Town Center and Washington Square Mall.

A few weeks ago, cities around the country and the world, celebrated Fat Tuesday, which marked not only the kick-off to Mardi Gras, but also, for many, the last day of eating fatty, gluttonous foods before the Lenten season.

We’re all aware of the importance of eating healthy and avoiding, junk food, fast food and processed foods. But how many of us have fallen into a bad habit of feeding equally unhealthy foods to our Pets? It’s an easy trap to fall into! Low grade, fatty Pet foods with little-to-no nutritional value is much more affordable than higher grade, healthier diets. But it’s important to remember that paying a few extra bucks is a small price to pay for your Pet’s long life and happiness.

At Hannah, we are passionate about the food we provide! Why? Because we understand that food and exercise are the two most important contributors to the long term health and well-being of our Pets.

Here are just a few facts to consider:

Some studies have found that about 45% of dogs in the U.S. are overweight or obese. That equals 35 million dogs!

As in humans, obesity in Pets can lead to diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure, among many other disorders and diseases, and can be deadly.

While your Pet may not be a big eater, that doesn’t mean they are not overweight. Often, weight problems can stem from inactivity. If your Pets are sedentary, are stuck indoors all day and don’t get the exercise they require, their health could be at serious risk. A daily walk, trip to the dog park, swim or a game of fetch can make a huge difference in your Pet’s health.

Consult with your Hannah vet! Remember, they are the experts and can tell you what your Pet’s ideal weight should be and can recommend the best feeding and exercise regimen for your furry family member.

Free-feeding is generally considered to be the wrong way to feed a dog and can make weight loss difficult. Instead, feed your Pet 2-3 times per day and remove the food after a period of time. This will train your Pet to eat on a schedule. Combining this with a regular exercise schedule can contribute greatly to helping to maintain a healthy weight.

Do you have an overweight Pet, or do you suspect you might? Hannah will work with you to identify the feeding, exercise and lifestyle habits that will help your Pet live a long, healthy, happy life. Our TLC program provides a complete healthcare plan which includes surgeries, emergencies, preventative and dental care, medications and vaccinations. We also provide the best food for your Pet and behavioral training!

To learn more about how you can enroll your Pets into Hannah’s Total Lifetime Care program, please visit our Placement Centers at Clackamas Town Center and Washington Square Mall.

On February 24th, the Pet care world recognized the 21st anniversary of World Spay Day!

The importance of spaying and neutering your Pets can never be overstated. In fact, it may be one of the most important decisions a Pet parent can make when it comes to the long-term health and welfare of their Pets as well as the Pet community at large.

Here are just three of the most important reasons to spay or neuter your Pet:

– Across the U.S, the staggering number of homeless Pets is a real problem. Each year, about 6-8 million cats and dogs enter shelters in this country. Of those, approximately half are euthanized due over-population, space constraints and budgetary restrictions. But there is a simple solution to over-population: prevention! Spaying and neutering your Pet eliminates the risk of unexpected and unwanted litters.

– This may surprise you, but spaying/neutering can increase your Pet’s lifespan. According to one study, neutered male dogs live an average of 18% longer than unaltered males. Spayed females can live up to 23% longer than un-spayed females. One reason for this difference is that altering your Pet can help reduce the risk of cancer in the reproductive system. Another reason is that an altered Pet has a decreased urge to roam, thereby reducing the risk of injury or illness.

– Behavior is of primary concern to most Pet parents. Spaying/neutering can help to curb many unwanted behaviors. After Pets are altered, parents see a noticeable improvement in areas such as aggression, unwelcome assertiveness, excessive barking, mounting and marking.

So why would a Pet parent decide not to spay or neuter? The primary reason given many is cost. This is, afterall, a surgery that requires anesthesia, medications and a follow-up appointment or two and can be a bit pricey. Often, this cost reaches into the hundreds!

How much of this cost do Hannah members pay? For a low monthly fee, Hannah members enjoy all the benefits of Hannah’s Total Lifetime Care program. Our plan covers all veterinary care, including vaccinations, medications, spaying, neutering, emergencies, surgeries, dentals, and preventative care. It also includes all food, delivered directly to your home, and behavioral training!

To learn more about how you can enroll your Pets into Hannah’s Total Lifetime Care program, please visit our Placement Centers at Clackamas Town Center and Washington Square Mall.

The popularity of rabbits as Pets is on the rise! In fact, according to one estimation, there are over 2.2 million households that enjoy the company of a Pet rabbit. This number has risen substantially over the past 20 years. It’s difficult to identify the reason behind this spike, but some speculate that the rise of the internet has made it easier for potential Pet parents searching for the right Pet to learn about the benefits of rabbit companionship.

Here are some fun facts about rabbits that will probably come as a surprise to many:

– The domestication of rabbits is a relatively new phenomena, especially compared to dogs and cats, both of which began their journey to domestication thousands of years ago. Evidence of rabbits inhabiting the homes of humans only dates back to the 18th century.

– Believe it or not, rabbits have very distinct personalities. Some rabbits can be playful and affectionate, like a dog. Others will display traits which are aloof and independent, like a cat.

– There are approximately 50 recognized breeds of domesticated rabbits, each possessing a distinct size, body type, coat, ear shape and disposition.

– Like their dog and cat counterparts, it is important to spay and neuter your Pet rabbits. Not only does this reduce over-population and unnecessary euthanasia, but it also helps to curtail unwanted behaviors. Intact males tend to spray, while females can be dominant and territorial. Spaying and neutering may not prevent these behaviors completely, but it can go a long way in minimizing them.

If you’ve thought about adding a Pet rabbit to your family, Hannah can help! Maybe you have questions about whether a rabbit is the right Pet for you and your family. Hannah Placement Counselors are available to discuss these and other questions.

Maybe you already have a rabbit (or dog, or cat!) and you’d like to enroll your four-legged family member in Hannah’s Total Lifetime Care program. With Hannah’s TLC, your Pet will benefit from all of the Pet care needed to live a long, happy, healthy life, including complete veterinary care, food delivery directly to your home (including bedding and hay if you’re a rabbit parent) and behavioral training for dogs and cats!

To learn more about how you can enroll your Pets into Hannah’s Total Lifetime Care program, please visit our Placement Centers at Clackamas Town Center and Washington Square Mall.

Our Pets are members of our families. We love them, protect them, provide food, toys, shelter and care for them. We even clean up after them! And in exchange, our Pets give us so much more. They keep us grounded; they make our lives easier and provide immeasurable amounts of joy and fun; they reduce our stress and they make our lives richer.

For these and so many other reasons we only want the best for our Pets. This Valentine’s Day, do something to show your Pets how much you truly love them. Here are a few ideas:

– A nice long hike is always a welcome departure from the day-to-day. We are fortunate to live in a region that is rich with outdoor possibilities. If you have a dog that loves the outdoors and long walks, get out and explore some of the beautiful scenery that the Pacific Northwest has to offer. But remember to always keep your Pet leashed and bring along plenty of water and snacks!

– Give your Pet a new healthy treat or interactive toy. There are many wonderful, healthy treats that your Pet will love and are highly nutritious. Or try a new puzzle toy that will challenge and stimulate, such as a laser pointer for cats or a Kong puzzle or wobbler for dogs

– Give your Pet a long day at the dog park followed by a trip to one of the areas Pet friendly restaurants, pubs or coffee shops. We live in an area that embraces the Pet-friendly lifestyle. Spending a day playing ball at the park with her and then taking her with you for an afternoon of relaxing and socializing at your favorite cool-down spot is a great way to spend any day!

– Enrolling your Pet in Hannah’s Total Lifetime Care program is a gift that will provide care, training and high-quality Pet food for a lifetime. Hannah Pets get it all: complete veterinary care (including vaccinations, medications, dentals, emergencies, surgeries and all other veterinary care services), Pet food delivered directly to your door, and top-of-the-line behavioral training, all for a low monthly fee!

To learn more about how you can enroll your Pets into Hannah’s Total Lifetime Care program, please visit our Placement Centers at Clackamas Town Center and Washington Square Mall.

There are two types of Pet parent in the world: those who have faced unexpected and exorbitant veterinary bills, and those who will. It is an unavoidable fact that Pets get sick, they get injured and they occasionally require some form of major medical attention.

Times like these are the reason behind Hannah’s Total Lifetime Care program. With Hannah’s TLC, members not only receive an all-inclusive veterinary care plan, which includes preventative care, vaccinations, dentals, medications, emergencies and surgeries (among many other services), but also high quality Pet food delivered right to your door and lifetime behavioral training.

Here are some other tips for keeping your Pet safe, healthy and happy in 2015:

– Remember, your Pet’s diet is the primary contributor to great or poor health! A diet high in vitamins, protein and all of the good stuff Pets need will help your Pet live a long and healthy life. While low quality food full of fillers is almost like feeding them a steady diet of junk food, which can lead to a variety of health issues, stress and low energy.

– Exercise is important! Your Pet needs to get outdoors, take a walk, a run and explore the world outside.

– There are a number of common dangers around the house, which can be easily avoided by keeping power cords out of reach, stowing dangerous foods and snacks and avoiding houseplants that can cause illness or death if ingested.

– Training is key! Think training has nothing to do with the health of your Pet? Think again! A well-trained Pet is less likely to run out into the middle of the road; or jump on the counter and eat the entire box of chocolate; or chew fabrics that can cause intestinal damage.

– Enrolling your Pet in Hannah’s Total Lifetime Care program is the best way to provide top quality Pet care at an affordable value!

To learn more about how you can enroll your Pets into Hannah’s Total Lifetime Care program, please visit our Placement Centers at Clackamas Town Center and Washington Square Mall.

We’ve said it before; there seems to be a day, week or month to commemorate everything. Following Dress Your Pet Day and Train Your Dog Month, today Hannah Society is celebrating National Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day!

Whether you’re a “cat person” or not, it’s natural to observe a cat and wonder exactly what they’re thinking. To celebrate this special day, Hannah has compiled a list of questions and answers about our feline friends. Questions are the easy part; it’s the answers that are hard. Afterall, cats are still a mystery to us, even after thousands of years of domestication. So, let’s tackle some of these together. And remember, if you have a cat and you need help with these questions, health concerns or behavioral issues, Hannah is here to help!

– Why do I get hairballs? Hairballs are a common problem for cats and cat parents, especially for our long-haired friends. Cats like to be clean, and cleaning themselves leads to hairballs. It’s natural, but it’s messy and can be quite uncomfortable for them. Lots of brushing and a diet high in fiber can help.

– My breath is awful! What can I do? Bad breath in cats is an indication of gingivitis, which can lead to loss of teeth and disease. Regular brushing and dental exams and cleanings are the best way to prevent these common problems. With Hannah’s Total Lifetime Care program, members receive dentals, as well as all other medical procedures, such as vaccinations, emergencies and surgeries , for one low monthly fee.

– I’m a talker! What am I trying to tell my Pet parent? There are a number of reasons why cats meow. Maybe she’s hungry, hurt, in heat or stressed. But often, they meow because they want your attention. Remember to spend time playing with, cuddling, brushing and petting your cat. They’re social animals and they need your companionship!

– I’m an indoor cat. Do I really need an annual exam? Yes! Like humans, a cat’s body changes with age. A yearly exam, like those provided by Hannah’s Total Lifetime Care Program, can help you to identify and treat any problems that may arise.

– I want to get out and roam. Should you let me? It’s not advisable. Indoor cats can get lost or hurt as a result of not being familiar with the world outside. Instead, leave the blinds open in a window where she can soak up some sun and watch the world go by.

Have more questions? We have answers! Hannah’s TLC program not only provides all-inclusive healthcare, but it also includes behavior classes and private consultations and high-quality Pet food delivered right to your door.

To learn more about how you can enroll your Pets into Hannah’s Total Lifetime Care program, please visit our Placement Centers at Clackamas Town Center and Washington Square Mall.